2014 NFL Postseason: Divisional Round Predictions

Dec 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) stiff arms Buffalo Bills corner back Chris Hogan (15) during the second half of New England

Saturday, Jan. 11
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
8:15 p.m. EDT
TV: CBS

I’m really looking forward to this game for a number of reasons. I want to see if the Colts can keep their second-half momentum and if the Patriots (12-4) continue the running attack they had in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.

For the Colts (12-5) to win, it will come down to the play of Andrew Luck and whether the defense can force the Patriots into a couple turnovers and some three-and-outs. They need to keep the Patriots off the field, so extended drives by the Colts is a must.

A player to watch out for in New England this weekend is LeGarrette Blount. In the regular-season finale, Blount rushed for 189 yards (24 carries) and two touchdowns. The week before, against the Baltimore Ravens, he rushed for 76 yards.

Of course, we have to keep an eye on Tom Brady as he’s always dangerous and has had a week of rest. What worries me about Brady, as it has for parts of the season, are the wide receiver weapons around him, but I think he’ll be OK.

The Colts player to watch is T.Y. Hilton, as I’m guessing the Patriots will defend him much better than what the Kansas City Chiefs did. Hilton totaled 224 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card win over the Chiefs. He caught 13 passes. There is no way I see that happening against the Bill Belichick-coached Patriots.

Game Prediction: Patriots 24, Colts 17